Tips on Visiting Park Gϋell: A Gaudi Masterpiece in Barcelona

If you’re looking for a place to truly see the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect and an overall hero in Barcelona, Park Gϋell is the place you’ll want to be.  I’m sure Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s famous church, is on your itinerary, and if it’s not then you’ll definitely be missing out. (Click here for tips on a perfect visit to Sagrada Familia.) But today is all about the outrageous architecture of Park Gϋell!  First, I’ll fill you in on ten tips to make the most of your visit, and then I’ll take you on a little tour of my favorite areas of the park.

FIRST OFF…WHAT IN THE WORLD IS PARK GϋELL?

Park Gϋell (pronounced Gwell, as my cab driver corrected me) was intended to be a housing development for the wealthy citizens of Barcelona.  Eusebi Gϋell contracted Gaudi to design it, but the plans fell through because of lack of interest and funds and only two out of the 60 planned houses were actually constructed there.  The city, who has a love…and I mean LOVE for Gaudi, turned it into a public park. It is now one of the most visited places in Barcelona.

READY FOR SOME TIPS?

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Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House: A Hidden Gem in Gloucester

Another hidden gem in Gloucester is the gorgeous Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House.  This stunning piece of architecture was the summer home of interior designer, Henry Davis Sleeper.  It is a 14,200 square foot work of art that is perched on a lovely piece of property overlooking Gloucester Harbor.  He used the house to show off his interior decorating skills to potential clients, as well as a summer retreat that he loved to share with friends and family.

This beautiful home has twelve bedrooms, eight bathrooms and twelve fireplaces (some worked and some were there for effect).  Here are some of my favorite spots in the house:

    Amber glass is displayed in this back-lit area when you walk into the house.

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    Hammond Castle: Explore a Castle on the Coast of Gloucester

    When in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the number one place you MUST visit is Hammond Castle, an actual European castle perched high on a bluff on a stunning New England shoreline. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the grounds of this magical place. Built by John Hays Hammond, Jr, a scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding gift to his wife. He was one of the most eccentric man I’ve ever heard about and you’ll learn all about him throughout your visit.  Let me show you around…

    IT ALL STARTS OUTSIDE

    Peek through the arches to see Gloucester Harbor and Eastern Point light.

    It is such a peaceful spot as you look out at the water.

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    Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Stepping Back in Time in Boston

    For my birthday this year, my girls and I decided to head to Boston to check some things off our list that we’ve wanted to do.  Since we were already planning to do the Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off bus, (don’t forget to read all about our ride!) we decided to get off at one of their last stops… the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Also, since it’s summer vacation, it’s nice that they got to learn about an important time in American history (Just don’t tell them it was educational…sssshhh).  I really had no clue what to expect, since I’m not too thrilled about doing tours through museums.  I was pleasantly surprised that the tour is actually a fully immersive tour.  The characters were so authentic, we felt like we had stepped back in time.  Here’s a peek at our experience:

    Our first stop was to go to the meeting house to meet us with some of the local townspeople on this historic night in 1773 Boston. 

    Since it is a dangerous time, we were given a feather to represent a disguise, as well as cards that told us all about the character we were. 

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    The Real Portland Tour: Getting the Lay of the Land from a Portland, Maine, Native

    The best way to see a new town is to be shown around by a local, who will give you its history and recommendations of what to do while you’re there.  They know the best tourist spots and will even share some hidden gems.  This is exactly what you’ll get when you take The Real Portland tour.  Derek will make you feel like a long-lost friend that’s taking you around his hometown. 

    I chose this tour when I was attending the Women in Travel Summit, and although I’d been to Portland a ton of times, I got to see places I had no clue existed.  This 90-minute tour was the perfect way for me to see Portland from a new perspective…that of a local.

    Derek, a native of Portland, was knowledgeable and I could picture my girls dying laughing at all of his jokes and puns.  I can’t wait to bring them next time.  He gave us the history of Portland as we passed the busy downtown area, the Arts district, and the Old Port.  We went by gorgeous brownstones and Victorian mansions and enjoyed stunning views of the Eastern Prominade.  There were beautiful views of the harbor…or “ha-bah” as Derek would say!

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    Old Town Trolley: Hop-On Hop-Off your Way Through Boston

    You know how I feel about driving in Boston… I’m such a chicken!  There are times I want to do different things around the city but I can only drive to the aquarium and the science museum (lol)! I then end up taking cabs so I don’t get to stop as much as I want.  Well I’ve found the perfect solution! For my birthday, the girls and I spent a perfect day in Boston on the Old Town Trolley Tour.  This hop-on hop-off bus allows you to get off at a stop when something strikes you or stay on the bus and continue hearing more historic commentary. It’s an amazing way to see Boston!

    Here are some fun things you can do on this 15-stop tour:

    STOP 1: We started our tour in front of the New England Aquarium (which is great since I can actually drive here and park…lol).  It’s a beautiful place to see the waterfront!

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    Seacoast Tours of Freeport: A Perfect Morning Full of Lobsters and Seals

    At the start of summer, we got to spend a perfect morning aboard the Pamela B, with Peter and Laura from Seacoast Tours of Freeport.  We were hoping to go out on the afternoon lobster boat tour, but since the weather wasn’t cooperating the tour had to be canceled.  Luckily, Captain Pete invited us to join him and his deckhand, Laura, on their boat as they went out to check their lobster traps.  We couldn’t say yes quick enough!

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    Nonesuch Oyster Farm

    Ask me what my favorite treat during summer months is and I’ll tell you, hands down, raw oysters with an ice-cold beer.  One thing I never thought about was where oysters come from.  On our recent trip to Scarborough, Maine, we had the pleasure of hopping aboard a work boat at Nonesuch Oyster Farm to get a private tour. We started our tour in front of the Harbor Master’s house at Pine Point.  It is a gorgeous working pier and we watched lobstermen loading traps onto their boats as we all admitted we didn’t know what to expect.  We were pleased to meet Sadie who would be sharing her boat and her experience with us.  I love when my girls get the opportunity to see strong females that are passionate about their jobs. 

    We hopped aboard a 17’ Carolina Skiff work boat and settled in to the wooden benches, allowing us a close view of the water.

    You’ll love watching the gorgeous scenery as you boat through stunning marsh in the river.  Like fine wine, oysters will taste different depending on their environment.

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    The Maine Brew Bus

    One of my favorite events of my WITS19 conference was the Maine Brew Bus…shocking right?? This 3 ½ hour tour lets you have a guided tour and safe ride to visit three of Portland’s small producers of craft alcohol.  We hopped on our 15-passenger bus and let the fun begin!  Our guide, Don, and our driver, Ryan, were so much fun to spend the afternoon with! They both have so much pride in Portland and the positive effect these companies have on the community.

    Our first stop was to RISING TIDE BREWING COMPANY.  Inspired by the famous quote, “…a rising tide lifts all boats,” this was the perfect spot to get an introduction to the craft beer industry. 

    We got to taste four different beers while we were there. 

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